Index to Nigerian Newspapers

he First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has presented a 50 million Naira cash grant to support 1,000 women petty traders in Kwara State, with each receiving 50,000 Naira to boost their businesses. She made this announcement in Ilorin during the inauguration of a community Information and Communications Technology centre established by the National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with her Renewed Hope Initiative under its Social Investment Programme. Senator Tinubu highlighted that a similar empowerment was carried out in August 2024 for another set of 1,000 women, and in December 2024, 250 elderly citizens were given 200,000 Naira each to celebrate the festive season. Under the Renewed Hope Initiative Education Programme, efforts are underway in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission to build an Alternative High School for Girls in Kwara State, aimed at supporting girls and women who dropped out of school due to early pregnancy, child marriage, or economic hardship. Additionally, Kwara State will benefit from the construction of a model Early Childhood Care Development Education centre in Ilorin, and Kwara State University is set to receive an Information and Communications Technology Experience Centre through collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians through supportive policies and programs. Speaking in Benin, Edo State, during the distribution of food items under the Renewed Hope Initiative, she noted that the outreach was made possible by donations from a public-spirited company and the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative. Represented by the wife of the Vice President and National Vice Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hajia Nana Shettima, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted that the Renewed Hope Initiative, since its launch in 2023, has made meaningful progress in empowering women and youths. She added that more initiatives will be carried out across the Renewed Hope Initiative’s five focus areas: Agriculture, Education, Economic Empowerment, Health, and Social Investment, all aimed at complementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

During a private visit to Niger State, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, donated N100 million to support the families of 70 victims of the January 18 oil tanker explosion at Dikko Junction. Each family will receive N1 million, with the remaining amount shared for additional needs. Senator Tinubu emphasized that the gesture was meant to ease the burden of the tragedy and expressed hope that such disasters would not reoccur. Though not on an official visit, she also met privately with former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, to pay her respects. She commended Governor Umaru Bago's agricultural efforts, while the governor appreciated her compassion and support. Speaking to the press, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the stabilizing role of the former leaders, especially during the fuel subsidy removal period, describing them as “fathers of the nation.” General Abdulsalami Abubakar praised the First Lady’s humanitarian work, calling her “Nigeria’s number one Ambassador” for promoting the nation’s image, supporting vulnerable groups, and working closely with governors’ wives and former First Ladies.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative, is set to distribute 60,000 professional kits to midwives across Nigeria as part of efforts to support the Federal Government’s retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers. During the presentation of 10,000 kits to midwives in the Northcentral zone, which covers Niger, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Tinubu explained that the kits, including crocs and scrubs, aim to encourage and equip midwives nationwide. This initiative is supported by an anonymous donor committed to improving maternal and infant health. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq praised the gesture for boosting healthcare delivery while expressing concern over the effects of brain drain on the state's health workforce. The Renewed Hope Initiative Northcentral Zonal Coordinator, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, affirmed the initiative's impact on empowering midwives and pledged proper distribution through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.